Work to remove flood water which submerged an underground car park, writing off a number of vehicles in the process, has finally begun.

People living at Riverbank House in Tonbridge were hit by flooding just before Christmas, but more than a month on, still found parts of the building swamped by nearly five feet of water.

KMTV report on the issue

The damage was so severe that a number of cars parked underground were written off, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Householders say communication with Pembroke Property Management, which runs the building, has been limited, but this week work has finally started on pumping out the estimated 1,000 cubic metres of water - a process which could take as long as two weeks, according to those on site.

Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat insisted last month he would bring the issue up with ministers.

He said this week: "The management company here at Riverbank House has been appalling.

"What Pembroke has done is absolutely contemptible and what they should have done immediately is taken their responsibilities seriously and dealt with the situation here. That is, after all, what they are paid for.

"They have behaved extremely well, the people living here, they have tried to exercise their rights and I'm very glad the government is looking to change how management companies behave now.

"If we don't get legal changes, companies like Pembroke who, frankly, seem to have absolutely no concern for the people who pay their bills, are going to carry on. We've got to stop it."

Pippa Garrott, 37, is one of those living in the building whose car has been ruined in the flood water.

"I've lived her for three years, this is my home, but the way Pembroke has handled this has made me actually want to leave," she said.

"It's absolutely disgusting, I've had no apology, no face-to-face meetings and I've been left off the email chain.

"Pembroke as a management company is a shambles, and I'm amazed they are still allowed to manage Riverbank House."

A spokesman for Pembroke Property Management said earlier work was going on in the background to address the problem, including taking samples to test whether it is safe to pump the water into the river.

The company has been approached for further comment.

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